Polynesian Wedding : A Ceremony Full of Symbols
21/02/2022
In Polynesian culture, there are very ancient rituals linked to wedding ceremonies, which were once a means of forging alliances between tribes. Today, these ancient rituals have been brought back to life by beautiful hotels organising traditional wedding ceremonies or vow renewals. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate love during a stay on our Polynesian islands. To learn more about Polynesian wedding traditions, read this article!
What is a Polynesian wedding ceremony ?
Polynesian wedding ceremonies are significant events in Polynesian culture. In the past, Polynesian weddings adhered to strict rules and rituals. They marked the transition to adulthood. Marriages required parental approval; without it, they were not allowed. Marrying outside one’s caste was inconceivable, as it could lead to the loss of privileges and social status.
The importance of Polynesian wedding
Polynesian marriages were a means of forming alliances between different tribes. The couple acted as a link between hostile tribes or neighbouring sovereignties. For instance, a princess might be married to the ruler of another island to secure peace and establish political or territorial alliances.
The pre-wedding ritual
The pre-wedding ritual was of great importance in Polynesian culture. Before marriage, couples had to undergo a series of initiatory trials to learn about the rites and customs of marriage. These trials were overseen by a "Tohunga," a priest or sorcerer responsible for supervising the magical rites of marriage.
Once the agreement was made, each family planted a tī branch, a sacred plant, to seal the promise of commitment. Preparations for the wedding would then begin.
On the morning of the first day of the ceremony, the bride’s family and friends visited the groom without her. If long distances were involved, specially made canoes were used for travel. On arrival, gifts were distributed in a ritual order, respecting the rank of each participant.
The Polynesian wedding: A codified ceremony
On the wedding day, the couple dressed in traditional attire, adorned with jewellery, shells, and flower garlands. Accompanied by a procession, they presented themselves before the priest for the main ceremony.
During the ceremony, the assembly first remembered the lineage of both families and thanked the gods who provided protection. The priest then blessed the couple, making their union sacred and official.
It was only after this very long ceremony, during which numerous offerings were made to the various deities invoked, that the festivities could begin.
These festivities revolved around a grand tāmā'ara'a (banquet), enlivened with songs and dances. The young couple took the place of honour.
Polynesian weddings today
Today, traditional ceremonies have no legal value and are purely symbolic. The vast majority of the population is Catholic or Protestant and marries in church.
Although traditional religions are no longer practised, and the essence of their associated rituals has been lost, many hotels and tourist establishments in the country organise wedding ceremonies inspired by tradition. These ceremonies have become extremely popular among visitors.
Celebrities and well-known personalities are increasingly coming to symbolically marry on the Polynesian islands. Names such as Mickey Rourke, Dustin Hoffman, and Eddie Murphy, who married on the island of Bora Bora, can be mentioned.
Beyond the allure of these weddings, the islands of French Polynesia, such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, are prime destinations for honeymoons. Honeymooners account for over 30% of tourists in Polynesia, equating to approximately 66,000 people per year seeking exoticism, tranquillity, and romance.
An example of a wedding offered by tourist establishments and hotels
Traditional weddings organised by Polynesian hoteliers typically take place on a beach or coral islet (“motu”). The couple arrives at the ceremony in a canoe and is welcomed by the sound of a singing group.
Dressed in traditional costumes and adorned with flower garlands, they are united by a tahu’a, a priest of the pre-European religion.
The presence of a dance group or a canoe ride on the lagoon often adds to the joy of the festivities. A "wedding certificate" written on tapa, a fabric made from tree bark, is often presented to mark the occasion.
Exoticism, splendour, ritual, and an idyllic setting come together to ensure the success and reputation of these Polynesian weddings, still imbued with the festive and convivial spirit that characterised—and continues to characterise—Polynesian society.
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